Climbing a rockface as a novice climber, stepping into a new job, making a long-term commitment, or becoming a parent for the first time. All are daunting, and while each brings a sense of excitement and exhilaration, there is a fear.
If you feel that fear as you are about to embark on some new adventure, that is a typical reaction. In many ways, it is likely a positive sign. You are thinking about what is about to unfold, the challenges, the learnings, the adjustments, the questions of your ability to adapt and thrive. There may be a fear of failure.
Let’s focus on what we can do, and let’s prepare for the elements we know about and that we can potentially solve for, and not begin to fear the unknown factors.
Being a little scared can be positive. It will likely spur you to think deeper, plan further, and prepare better. Stay focused on the elements you can control and no more. One hand, then a foot, and slowly you will ascend the face. It is not the top that is exhilarating, but the climb up.
